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David Engstrom of David Engstrom Body Therapy & Acupuncture | Seattle, Washington
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"Give me 20 minutes and I’ll give you a simple, natural plan to address the root cause of your body pain. Call to schedule your FREE consultation now! Why wait?"
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CALL ME

206 938-0682

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About David Engstrom: Your Guide to Acupuncture & Bodywork in Seattle

Exercise, fitness, and an overall healthy lifestyle have been a major focus in my life from my teenage years as a competitive wrestler through my adult years as a practicing martial artist (Jujitsu). My first experience with Asian medicine, came via injuries sustained from my martial arts training in high school. In my view, being pain free isn’t enough.

David Engstrom of David Engstrom Body Therapy & Acupuncture | Seattle, Washington

​I began my career as a respiratory therapist working in major teaching hospitals in Seattle and Dallas, Texas. During my career I have worked in neonatal, adult intensive and surgical trauma units, and emergency rooms. This experience has given me great respect for the technology of Western medical science and conventional therapies, especially in treating acute life-threatening illnesses and trauma.

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David Engstrom treating a Runner | Body Therapy & Acupuncture | Seattle, Washington

I’m a licensed acupuncturist and licensed massage therapist in Washington State with more than 30 years of experience in acupuncture and therapeutic bodywork. I’ve trained extensively in the Ishizaka Style of Acupuncture under Naoki Kubota, LAc, and studied manual medicine in Kyoto, Japan, with Hiroharu Wakaki, LAc, DC. I’m certified in Zen Bodytherapy® (Structural Integration).

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I also practice Physio-Synthesis at an advanced level, trained by Ida Thomas, and hold certifications as a personal trainer, corrective exercise specialist,  and certified wellness coach through the National Academy of Sports Medicine. Additionally, I’ve completed the Postural Restoration Institute’s course in Pelvic Restoration, Postural Respiration, and Myokinematic Restoration to address complex structural patterns.

A four-year stay (1994–1998) in Kyoto, Japan, introduced me to renowned practitioners of Asian medicine, including acupuncture, moxibustion, kampo (Japanese herbal medicine), and manual therapy. During that time, I trained in manual therapy with Hiroharu Wakaki, LAc, DC, and also began practicing the classical disciplines of martial arts and calligraphy. I was privileged to learn techniques passed down through generations.

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I returned to Kyoto for an extended stay in 2025, more than 30 years after I first lived there. I continue to deepen my study of traditional Japanese medicine while picking up old pursuits again. In April 2026, I opened Engstrom Bodywork Kyoto, where I offer structural bodywork and movement education to residents and visitors. I now divide my time between my practices in Seattle and Kyoto.

Image of the Uji River in Kyoto taken by David Engstrom Body Therapy & Acupuncture

Uji River, Kyoto

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Credentials

Nov 3-5, 2017 | La Crescenta, CA

Physio-Synthesis Level two training with Ida Thomas

Jun 23-25, 2017 | La Crescenta, CA

Physio-Synthesis Level one training with Ida Thomas

Aug 2007

Alexandar School of Natural Therapeutics-Massage Therapy Certificate

Jun 2017

NASM-CPT, Certified Personal Trainer (1170084194)

Mar 2008

NCBTMB-Nationally Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (549240-07)

Apr 2006, Apr 2008 & May 2010 
Tacoma, WA

Certified Zen Triggerpoint Anatomy® Practitioner

Nov 2006 & Nov 2007 |Tacoma, WA

Certified Zen Bodytherapy® Practitioner

Sep 2014

NASM-Corrective Exercise Specialist

Jul 2008

Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) & Intra-oral certification (MA600026945)

Jun 1986

Associate of Applied Science (Respiratory Care), Seattle Central Community College

Jul 1992

Northwest Institute of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, Master of Acupuncture

Aug 1992

Licensed Acupuncturist (LAc), Washington State (AC00000138)

Mar 13, 2026

NASM Certified Wellness Coach (1261731302)

Continuing Education

Ongoing study is part of how I practice. Here is a selection of my training in acupuncture, bodywork and movement, with the most recent first:

Recent training

  • Traditional Japanese Medicine: Pulse and Syndrome Patterns; Clinical Application of Traditional Acupuncture, Moxibustion, and Herbal Medicine - Imabari, Ehime, Japan. Certificate of Completion (Oct 10–12, 2026)

  • Myokinematic Restoration - Postural Restoration Institute (home study). Certificate of Completion (Feb 16–Mar 10, 2026)

  • Postural Respiration - Postural Restoration Institute, Sammamish, WA. Certificate of Completion (Aug 9–10, 2025)

  • Pelvis Restoration - Postural Restoration Institute, Seattle, WA. Certificate of Completion (Oct 18–19, 2024)

  • Saam Chautauqua: Korean Saam Acupuncture Series - Qiological Learning, live and online. 16 classes, NCCAOM PDA-approved, Certificates of Completion (July 13–Aug 13, 2024)

 

Traditional East Asian medicine​

  • Ancient Art of Cupping - Susan Johnson, online (Mar 1, 2025)

  • Ancient Art of Bleeding - Susan Johnson, online (Feb 24, 2025)

  • Sotai Intuitivo - Hiro Komatsu, Portland, OR (Nov 19–20, 2019)

  • Sotai Summit: Foundations of Sotai Movement Therapy - Peter and Akiko Thompson, Jeffrey Dann, Stephen Brown; Boulder, CO (Sept 3–4, 2016)

  • Taishi Hari Adult Pediatric Acupuncture Techniques - Masanori Tanioka, Santa Fe, NM (May 28, 2012)

  • Taishi Hari Pediatric Acupuncture Techniques - Masanori Tanioka, Santa Fe, NM (May 26–27, 2012)

  • Channel Palpation and Diagnosis - Jason Robertson, Seattle, WA (Nov 19–20, 2011)

  • Modern Application of Classical Formulas, Part 2 - Huang Huang, Seattle, WA (July 23–24, 2011)

  • Koshi Balancing: Manual Medicine and Acupuncture - Jeffrey Dann, PhD, LAc, Portland, OR (Mar 5–6, 2011)

  • Ishizaka Ryu: Traditional Japanese Acupuncture - Naoki Kubota, Seattle, WA (Sept 19–20, 2009)

  • Traditional Cupping: Eastern Traditions - Bruce Bentley, Seattle, WA (Sept 13–14, 2008)

  • Approach to Treatment of Orthopedic Disorders: Lower Back and Lower Extremities - Yefim Gamgoneishvilli, Seattle, WA (June 21–22, 2008)

  • Shanghan Zabing Lun Pulse Methods - Arnaud Versluys, Seattle, WA (May 31–June 1, 2008)

  • Ge Jia Xue Shuo: Schools of Thought in Chinese Medicine - Jin Zhao, Seattle, WA (Feb 16–17, 2008)

 

Bodywork, somatic and movement​

  • Balancing the Diaphragms, three-part series (Pelvic Diaphragm; Respiratory Diaphragm and Thoracolumbar Connections; Larynx, Jaw and Floor of the Mouth) - Julie Hammond, online (Mar 14, 21 and 28, 2025)

  • Move, Rest, and Digest: Dissection Livestream - Thadd Dudrey and Todd Garcia, online (Mar 23–24, 2024)

  • The Anatomy of the Breath: Dissection Livestream - Julie Hammond, Todd Garcia and Melanie Burns, online (Feb 17–18, 2024)

  • Structural Medicine Approach to Client Treatment, three-part online series - Donna F. Bajelis, PT, and Joe Kelly, LMT (July 17, Aug 14 and Sept 12, 2023)

  • Managing Soft-Tissue Injuries: An Integrated Approach, Module One - Thomas Myers and Ammar Saymeh, DPM, online (May 20, 2023)

  • Orthopedic Manual Therapy of the Lower Body - Pieter L. de Smidt, PT, DPT, online (Feb 21, 2023)

  • Functional Myofascial Decompression - Pieter L. de Smidt, PT, DPT, online (Jan 29, 2023)

  • Fascial Manipulation as a Pain Management Tool - Nancy Keeney Smith, LMT, online (Jan 29, 2023)

  • Scar Management: An Introduction - Nancy Keeney Smith, LMT, online (Jan 28, 2023)

  • Altered Breathing Patterns and Disorders: Their Impact on Health, Posture, Pain, and Stress - Debra Dent, PT, online (Jan 24, 2023)

  • Somatic Doors of Perception: Inner Resonance - Deane Juhan and Jack Blackburn, Seattle, WA (Jan 5–6, 2013)

  • Bones for Life, Segments 1–3 (Apr 2009–Aug 2010)

  • Delving Deeper: Somatic Explorations Series, Connective Tissue: Re-weaving the Web - Deane Juhan and Dave Campbell, Seattle, WA (July 17–19, 2009)

  • Focusing for Bodyworkers - Jack Blackburn, Seattle, WA (May 8–9, 2009)

  • Trager Method: Introductory Workshop - Jack Blackburn, Seattle, WA (Mar 14–15, 2009)

  • Neck and Jaw & Intraoral Endorsement - Deane Juhan and Dave Campbell, Seattle, WA (Feb 5–7, 2009)

  • Positional Release Techniques for Muscles - Denise Deig, Seattle, WA (Jan 16–18, 2009)

  • Traditional Cupping: Western Traditions - Bruce Bentley, Seattle, WA (Aug 6–7, 2008)

  • Positional Release Techniques: Joint Application & Isometrics - Denise Deig, Seattle, WA (July 18–20, 2008)

  • Connective Tissue: Web of Structure, Web of Chi - Deane Juhan, Seattle, WA (Nov 30–Dec 2, 2007)

  • Egoscue Method: Basic PAS Program - Seattle, WA (Aug 2006)

  • Egoscue Method: P3 Workshop (Posture, Pain & Performance) - Seattle, WA (Aug 2005)

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